Like you, I was a little surprised when these Tim Donaghy allegations came to light. No, I wasn’t shocked, not bowled over by the news. If anything, I was mostly surprised because I always assumed that the fixing of NBA games was a giant, league-wide conspiracy, not an individual referee. Unlike many, however, I am not totally down on the future of the league. Yes, things are as bad for David Stern as they ever been, but there are plenty of reasons for fans of The Association to be hopeful right now.
1. There is no evidence that any other referees, or any other league personnel, are involved in any point shaving.
Conspiracy theorists such as myself have been saying for years that the NBA gently guides certain teams through the playoffs to create the most profitable matchups. From the infamous Kings-Lakers 2002 series (Game 6 in particular, in which Sacramento was whistled for 27 fourth quarter fouls) to this year’s much-discussed Suns-Spurs Game 3, the evidence just seems overwhelming for the league. Now, imagine how convenient it must be that all criticism from Game 3 can be deflected onto Donaghy, who just happened to be officiating. Casual fans will understand that the scandal is an isolated incident, that Donaghy is no longer an official, and will assume that the other referees only have the best intentions.
2. No commissioner is better in a crisis than David Stern.
The man has been subject to a lot of criticism over the past few years, much of it deserved, but he is still far and away the greatest leader in any sport right now. While Roger Goodell and Bud Selig waffle over what to do with Michael Vick and Barry Bonds respectively, Stern had no problem taking the hard line with Donaghy, demonstrating no doubt about his guilt. No other commish would have had the balls to throw the hammer down on Artest, with his infamous “unanimous decision” quote. If David Stern had been president during 9/11, do you think we would be stuck in Iraq right now. No, Sternie would have immediately commisioned a bomb-proof geodesic dome to be built over Manhattan. And Stern’s tough guy posturing is exactly the reason that…
3. The 2007/2008 season will be the most immaculately officiated in NBA history.
For every single bad call, every single missed call, every time Kobe or LeBron gets the benefit of the doubt this season, fans will be calling for the head of the referee. Do you think that Stern will allow any more questioning of the officials on his watch. I’m thinking fines for the refs for every bad play. I’m thinking NFL-style instant replay for close calls. Every errant Bruce Bowen knee or wild arm flailing by Shaq will be subject to more intense scrutiny than ever. Four officials on the floor? It’s possible. Will we still see the “B-team” refs calling playoff games or nationally televised matchups? Not likely.
And do you think that there’s any way Sternie would let the Spurs win a championship again if the refs are being watched? Not bloody likely. See, there are lots of reasons to be excited about next year.
